Blockbuster Trade Proposal Replaces 2 Lakers Starters With $215 Million Star

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to several players this offseason and rumors are still strong. Zach LaVine is the latest trade target for the Lakers and the team can get him for two of their starters.

D’Angelo Russell has a restructured deal with the Lakers. This move triggered an avalanche of reactions and NBA analysts believe that he could be on his way out of the Lakers.

The veteran player waived the ability to have a no-trade clause. In other words, the Lakers could look for another player to add.

Zach Buckley from Bleacher Report mentioned LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. According to him, the Lakers could get rid of Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2029 first-rounder to the Bulls. This trade will give them LaVine.

“Should the Bulls become ready to move on—his name is already in the rumor mill—this might be enough to get a deal done,” Buckley wrote on July 13, 2023. “It isn’t an overwhelming offer (its appeal hinges largely on one’s opinion of Russell and Hachimura), but LaVine isn’t an overwhelming superstar. He has made a single playoff trip in nine NBA seasons. He’s also had knee trouble in the past and is owed an unconscionable amount of money in the future.”

The Lakers could send their starters to Chicago, Bulls will benefit from the trade, too

The Bulls may be interested in trading LaVine away. This trade proposal could help them make a decision. He has four seasons remaining on his five-year deal worth $215 million.

Gabe Vincent has a ‘legitimate chance’ to steal D’Angelo Russell’s starting job, per @jovanbuha

“…this is an open competition and Vincent has a legitimate chance to steal the starting job. He is the better defender than Russell and a more natural off-ball fit as a lower-usage… pic.twitter.com/O8Kmf0atVM

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 13, 2023

LaVine will get $40 million in the upcoming season. This number could go as high as $48.9 million in the 2026-27 season.

35 PTS FOR ZACH LAVINE 🔥

BULLS LEAD AFTER BEING DOWN 19

📺: Live on ESPN | #ATTPlayIn pic.twitter.com/cPESMspLwc

— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2023

LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while going 37.5% from free-point range in 77 starts last season.

Getting the Bulls guard would be a really good move for the Lakers. He could be the third player behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

There’s a catch though. The Lakers got Gabe Vincent in the offseason. Russell will probably be the starting point guard for the team, but Vincent will get a big role, too.